Senior Ecologist

Location: London – Hybrid Working
Salary: £35,000 – £45,000
Contract: Permanent – Full-time

Senior Ecologist Opportunity – London

We are recruiting for a Senior Ecologist to join a growing environmental and sustainability consultancy based in London. This is an opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team delivering ecology, biodiversity and sustainability services across a range of development and planning projects.

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing ecological projects, undertaking surveys and assessments, and providing technical advice to clients. The position offers a combination of fieldwork, technical reporting, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and project management, alongside opportunities to support and mentor junior ecologists.

This role would suit an experienced Ecologist looking to progress their career within a collaborative consultancy, with opportunities to contribute to projects focused on protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver ecology and biodiversity projects from initial assessment through to completion.

• Prepare and review Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, BREEAM ecology reports and protected species reports.

• Undertake and lead ecological field surveys, including UKHab habitat assessments, bat surveys and other protected species surveys.

• Carry out BNG calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and produce habitat mapping using QGIS.

• Provide technical advice on ecological constraints, mitigation measures and biodiversity enhancements.

• Support larger multidisciplinary projects, contributing ecological expertise throughout the planning and development process.

• Review technical reports and ensure work meets relevant legislation, guidance and industry standards.

• Manage client relationships, attend project meetings and liaise with external stakeholders.

• Support project proposals, fee estimates and delivery programmes.

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior ecologists and graduates.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience working within an ecological or environmental consultancy.

• Experience independently undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and habitat surveys.

• Good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain and experience using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.

• Competent in QGIS, including producing habitat and ecological survey maps.

• Experience planning, managing and delivering bat surveys and other protected species surveys.

• Good botanical identification skills and an understanding of UKHab classification, ideally equivalent to FISC Level 3.

• Experience preparing ecological reports to support planning applications.

• Knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological survey guidance.

• Strong report-writing, communication and project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently while supporting wider project teams.

Experience with BREEAM ecology assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) or protected species licensing would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a related discipline.

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), ideally at Full Member level.

• Protected species survey licences would be beneficial.

• An understanding of natural capital and ecosystem services would be advantageous.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary of £35,000 – £45,000 depending on experience.

• Hybrid working arrangements.

• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Enhanced employer pension contributions.

• Potential discretionary annual bonus.

• Training and professional development opportunities.

• Support with career progression and technical development.

• Enhanced family-friendly policies.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Two paid volunteering days per year.

• Access to health, wellbeing and employee discount benefits.

• Opportunities to work alongside specialists across ecology, biodiversity and sustainability.

Apply Now

If you're a Senior Ecologist looking for a new opportunity in London, with a particular interest in biodiversity, ecological consultancy and sustainable development, we'd be keen to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please apply with your CV or contact Embankment Group for further information.

Embankment Group – Specialist Environmental Recruitment